Multi-purpose sleeping bag

ABSTRACT

A multipurpose sleeping bag is presented, and more particularly a sleeping bag that also operates as a tent. The sleeping bag has a shell with an insulating material. The shell includes a cavity large enough to contain a person therein and function as a sleeping bag. A flap is connected with the shell. A foldable frame member is included for connecting with the flap. The foldable frame member has both a folded and unfolded configuration. A tent material covers a portion of the foldable frame member to form a collapsible tent. When the foldable frame is in the unfolded configuration and connected with the flap, the collapsible tent forms a shelter over the shell, allowing a user to use the multipurpose sleeping bag as a tent with an attached sleeping bag therein. Alternatively, when the collapsible tent is collapsed, a user may utilize the shell alone as a sleeping bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Technical Field

The present invention is directed to a sleeping bag, and more particularly to a multi-purpose sleeping bag that can also be erected as a tent, allowing a user to utilize the sleeping bag affixed within an interior of the tent.

(2) Description of Related Art

Sleeping bags have long been known in the art. Sleeping bags are typically tubular with a cavity for sleeping. Traditionally made for military and camping applications, sleeping bags have been increasingly designed for children. Children often have slumber parties and play camp, where it may be desirable for a child to sleep in a sleeping bag. In addition to the sleeping bag, the child may also wish to sleep within a tent.

Tents are erectable enclosures that allow a user to place a sleeping bag within the enclosure. Child tents come in a variety of designs, shapes, and sizes. A drawback to standard child tents and sleeping bags is that they are two separate devices. Meaning that in storage, both the tent and sleeping bag are packed up and stored separately.

In an attempt at efficiency and innovation, a myriad of designs have been developed to combine the prior art. By way of example, U.S. Pat. D327,524, and 5,562,115, issued to Kim and Sotello respectively, disclose mats combined with tent shelters. U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,497, issued to Hernandez, discloses a combined surfboard bag, ground pad, and tent.

Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,840,919, issued to Middleton (hereinafter “the Middleton Patent”), discloses a combined sleeping bag and inflatable tent. The inflatable tent includes inflatable structural beams, providing support for the tent. The sleeping bag is secured with a non-inflatable bottom side of the tent. While functional, a drawback with such a configuration, however, is that the sleeping bag can only be used in conjunction with the tent. Accordingly, a user cannot selectively use the sleeping bag alone without having inflated the tent.

Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,034, issued to Yih et al. (hereinafter “the Yih patent”), also combines a sleeping bag with a tent. The Yih patent discloses a tent combination which is convertible to a tent, a sleeping bag, or a raincoat. In the Yih patent, a panel is attached with a base, with a cover attached with the panel. The space between the panel and base functions as a sleeping bag, with the cover operating as a tent cover. As disclosed by the Yih patent, the cover is tethered to a tree or some other elevated object to create the tent form. Additionally, the sleeping bag is not a typical sleeping bag, but rather, is a rigid board (i.e., base) with a piece of cloth (i.e., panel) fastened to it. A problem with the Yih patent arises when a user does not have an elevated object to tether the cover to. Furthermore, the user of a rigid board creates a sleeping bag that is cumbersome and not easily stored and transported.

Accordingly, a need exists for an improved and compact sleeping bag that can be used alone, or that can be converted into a self supporting tent with a sleeping bag therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multipurpose sleeping bag. The sleeping bag comprises a shell with an insulating material. The shell includes a cavity large enough to contain a person therein and function as a sleeping bag. A flap is connected with the shell. A foldable frame member is included for connecting with the flap. The foldable frame member has both a folded and unfolded configuration. A tent material covers a portion of the foldable frame member to form a collapsible tent. When the foldable frame is in the unfolded configuration and connected with the flap, the collapsible tent forms a shelter over the shell, allowing a user to use the multipurpose sleeping bag as a tent with an attached sleeping bag therein. Alternatively, when the collapsible tent is collapsed, a user may utilize the shell alone as a sleeping bag.

In another aspect, the multipurpose sleeping bag further comprises a pocket enclosed within the flap. The pocket is accessible through a pocket opening, allowing a user to place the collapsible tent, when collapsed, within the pocket.

In yet another aspect, the multipurpose sleeping bag further comprises an additional flap. Cushioning material is enclosed within the additional flap, thereby functioning as a pillow flap.

In another aspect, the multipurpose sleeping further comprises a flap connector attached with the flap and a corresponding tent connector attached with the collapsible tent. A user may attach the collapsible tent with the flap through use of the flap connector and tent connector. Both the tent connector and flap connector are devices that are detachably attachable with one another, such as snaps and Velcro.

In yet another aspect, the multipurpose sleeping bag further comprises a zipper connected with the shell such that use of the zipper selectively opens and closes access to the cavity.

In another aspect, the multipurpose sleeping bag further comprises an opening in the tent material, such that when the collapsible tent is unfolded and connected with the flap, the opening serves as a passageway between an exterior of the collapsible tent and the shelter therein.

Additionally, the tent material includes a sleeve portion to enclose the foldable frame member.

In another aspect, a portion of the tent material is formed of a mesh fabric, allowing light and gas to pass therethrough.

In yet another aspect, the multipurpose sleeping bag further comprises glow-in-the-dark appliqués attached with the tent material. The glow-in-the-dark appliqués are formed in a shape selected from a group consisting of a star, a moon, an airplane, a car, a flag, and a bird.

In another aspect, the multipurpose sleeping bag further comprises additional flaps to total enough flaps such that the shell with the attached flaps represents an object.

Additionally, the shell with attached flaps represents an object selected from a group consisting of a star, a person, an astronaut, a rocket ship, an animal, and a boat.

Finally, as can be appreciated by one in the art, the present invention also comprises methods for forming and using the multipurpose sleeping bag described herein. For example, the method for forming the multipurpose sleeping bag comprises acts of forming a shell with an insulating material, the shell having a cavity large enough to contain a person therein and function as a sleeping bag; connecting a flap with the shell; forming a foldable frame member for connecting with the flap, the foldable frame member having a folded and unfolded configuration; and covering a portion of the foldable frame member with a tent material, where the tent material combined with the foldable frame forms a collapsible tent, such that when the foldable frame is in the unfolded configuration and connected with the flap, the collapsible tent forms a shelter over the shell.

In another aspect and as another method example, the method for using the multipurpose sleeping bag comprises acts of utilizing a shell with an insulating material, the shell having a cavity large enough to contain a person therein and function as a sleeping bag, with a flap connected with the shell; and connecting a collapsible tent with the flap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the preferred aspect of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a top view illustration of a sleeping bag shell according to the present invention;

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a collapsible tent according to the present invention, in an unfolded position;

FIG. 2B is an illustration of a collapsible tent according to the present invention; in a folded position;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a sleeping bag shell and collapsible tent according to the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is an illustration of another aspect of a sleeping bag shell and collapsible tent according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to a multipurpose sleeping bag, and more particularly to a sleeping bag that can also be erected as a tent, allowing a user to utilize the sleeping bag affixed within an interior of the tent.

The following description, taken in conjunction with the referenced drawings, is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. Various modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of aspects. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Furthermore it should be noted that unless explicitly stated otherwise, the figures included herein are illustrated diagrammatically and without any specific scale, as they are provided as qualitative illustrations of the concept of the present invention

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of” or “act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

Before describing the invention in detail, first an introduction is provided to provide the reader with a general understanding of the present invention. Second, a description of various aspects of the present invention is provided to give an understanding of the specific details. Finally, a conclusion is provided as a brief and concise summation of the invention described herein.

(1) Introduction

The present invention relates to a multipurpose sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are typically bags within which a user sleeps. While camping or during a child's indoor slumber party, the sleeping bag is often placed within a tent, allowing a user to sleep within the confines of the tent. The present invention improves upon the prior art by combining a sleeping bag with a tent to form the multipurpose sleeping bag that functions as both a tent and sleeping bag. The multipurpose sleeping bag is described in further detail below.

(2) Detailed Description

The multipurpose sleeping bag functions as both a sleeping bag and tent. As shown in FIG. 1, the multipurpose sleeping bag 100 comprises a shell 102 with an insulating material. The shell 102 is constructed of a flexible material, non-limiting examples of which include nylon and cotton. As can be appreciated by one in the art, there are numerous varieties of insulating material that can be utilized in a sleeping bag. As a non-limiting example, the shell 102 may comprise a plurality of nylon layers, with wool between the layers.

The shell 102 is formed such that it has a cavity 104 large enough to contain a person. An attachment apparatus 106 may be included to provide access to the cavity 104. The attachment apparatus 106 is a mechanism or device for selectively attaching and detaching one object from another, a non-limiting example of which includes a zipper. With the zipper and cavity 104, the shell 102 functions as a sleeping bag.

At least one flap 108 is connected with the shell 102. The flap 108 may be formed of the same material as the shell 102, or may be separately formed and attached with the shell 102. Each flap 108 can be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes. Additionally, any suitable number of flaps 108 may be connected with the shell 102.

As will become apparent to one skilled in the art, the multipurpose sleeping bag 100 can be formed in a variety of sizes and shapes to represent a variety of objects. As a non-limiting example and as shown in FIG. 1, each flap 108 can be formed such that from a top view, the shell 102 with five corresponding flaps 108 resembles a star. As another example, if a desired shape were that of an octopus, the shell 102 could be shaped substantially circular, with eight flaps representing the octopus tentacles. Or as another example, if the shell 102 were formed to resemble a rocket ship, one flap might be the rocket tip, while two additional flaps represent rocket boosters. As another example, the shell 102 can be formed like a traditional sleeping bag, with the flaps 108 simply functioning as connector points for connecting with a collapsible tent (i.e., described in further detail below).

A cushioning material may be enclosed within one of the flaps 108, thereby functioning as a pillow flap 110. The cushioning material is a material typically used to provide cushion to an object, non-limiting examples of which include foam, cotton, a sponge, down, and padding. The pillow flap 110 is positioned such it is proximate an entrance to the cavity 104, allowing a user to occupy the cavity 104 and rest their head on the pillow flap 110.

A pocket 112 may be formed out one of the flaps 108. As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a variety of techniques exist to form a pocket. For example, the pocket 112 may be formed by sewing one layer of the flap 108 onto another flap 108 layer. Alternatively, the pocket 112 may be a separately formed pocket that is sewn into the flap 108. In either configuration, the pocket 112 is accessible through a pocket opening 114. The pocket 112 is configured to contain a variety of objects. However, in a preferred embodiment, the pocket 112 is configured to contain a collapsed collapsible tent. The collapsible tent is described in further detail below.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the present invention also comprises a collapsible tent 200. The collapsible tent 200 is formed of a foldable frame member 202, with a tent material 204 covering the foldable frame member 202. The foldable frame member 204 may be a typical tent support structure, with several foldable rods. In a preferred aspect, the foldable frame member 202 forms a continuous loop, and has both folded and unfolded positions. The foldable frame member 202 is formed of a relatively strong but flexible material, allowing it to be easily manipulated between the folded and unfolded positions. Non-limiting examples of such flexible materials include flexible coilable steel and plastic. The foldable frame member 202 operates similar to the frames of foldable car window shades. As shown in FIG. 2B, when in the folded position, the foldable frame member 202 is compacted and in a storable condition, or alternatively and as shown in FIG. 2A, when in the unfolded position, the foldable frame member 202 is expanded and assumes a larger size.

The tent material 204 covers a portion of the foldable frame member 202 to form the collapsible tent 200. The tent material 204 may be connected with the foldable frame member 202 through a variety of mechanisms. For example, the tent material 204 may include a sleeve portion 206 to encase the frame member 202 and hold the tent material 204 as a sheet spanning across the continuous loop of the frame member 202.

Additionally, the tent material 204 may be formed of a variety of materials. Preferably, the tent material 204 is durable material such as nylon, other non-limiting examples of such materials include cotton, plastic, and a mesh fabric.

As shown in FIG. 3, the collapsible tent 200 is attachable with the shell 102 to form a shelter 301 over the shell 102. The collapsible tent 200 may be attached with the shell 102 through a variety of techniques. For example, a flap connector 300 is attached with at least one of the flaps 108, with a corresponding tent connector 302 attached with the collapsible tent 200. As can be appreciated by one in the art, both connectors are devices that allow one object to be detachably attached with another, non-limiting examples of which include snaps, Velcro, straps, clips, ties, etc. As another non-limiting example, tie straps 304 may be attached with the shell 102 and the collapsible tent 200, allowing the collapsible tent 200 to be tied against the shell 102.

An opening 306 is provided to allow for access to the shelter 301. The opening 306 serves as a passageway between an exterior of the collapsible tent 200 and the shelter 301 therein. The opening 306 may simply be a space with no tent material 204, or alternatively, may be cut into the tent material 204 itself.

FIG. 4 illustrates a collapsible tent 200 attached with the shell 102. As shown in FIG. 4, an enclosure apparatus 400 may be connected with the opening 306. The enclosure apparatus is a device or mechanism for selectively opening and closing the opening 306, non-limiting examples of which include a zipper, Velcro, and tie straps.

For aesthetic purposes, and to provide a light in the dark environment, glow-in-the-dark appliqués 402 may be attached with the multipurpose sleeping bag 100. The appliqués 402 can be attached with either the shell 102 or the collapsible tent 200. The appliqués 402 can be formed in a variety of shapes to represent a variety of objects, non-limiting examples of which include stars, cars, a moon, a flag, birds, airplanes, etc.

When attached with the collapsible tent 200, it would be desirable to have the appliqués 402 attached with the tent material 204. For example and as shown in FIG. 4, the tent material 204 could be a mesh fabric, with glow-in-the-dark star shaped appliqués 204 attached to the mesh fabric, providing a user with a see-through shelter with stars overhead.

(3) Conclusion

The present invention is directed to a multipurpose sleeping bag. The sleeping bag (i.e., shell) may have a pillow and/or pocket sewn into it. A user may attach a collapsible tent with the shell, thereby converting the sleeping bag into a sleeping bag tent. With the collapsible tent attached, a shelter is created over the shell, allowing a user to sleep within the sleeping bag, within the confines of the shell. Both the shell and collapsible tent can be formed in a variety of shapes to represent a variety of objects. Additionally, glow-in-the-dark appliqués may be attached with the multipurpose sleeping bag to provide light and aesthetic benefits. 

1. A multipurpose sleeping bag, comprising: a shell with an insulating material, the shell having a cavity large enough to contain a person therein and function as a sleeping bag; a flap connected with the shell; a foldable frame member for connecting with the flap, the foldable frame member having a folded and unfolded configuration; and a tent material covering a portion of the foldable frame member, where the tent material combined with the foldable frame forms a collapsible tent, such that when the foldable frame is in the unfolded configuration and connected with the flap, the collapsible tent forms a shelter over the shell, whereby a user may use the multipurpose sleeping bag as a tent with an attached sleeping bag therein, or alternatively, when the collapsible tent is collapsed, utilize the shell alone as a sleeping bag.
 2. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a pocket enclosed within the flap, the pocket being accessible through a pocket opening, allowing a user to place the collapsible tent, when collapsed, within the pocket.
 3. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 2, further comprising an additional flap, with cushioning material enclosed within the additional flap, thereby functioning as a pillow flap.
 4. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 3, further comprising a flap connector attached with the flap, and a corresponding tent connector attached with the collapsible tent, whereby a user may attach the collapsible tent with the flap through use of the flap connector and tent connector.
 5. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 4, wherein both the tent connector and flap connector are devices that are detachably attachable with one another.
 6. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 5, wherein the tent connector and flap connector are devices selected from a group consisting of snaps and Velcro.
 7. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 6, further comprising a zipper connected with the shell such that use of the zipper selectively opens and closes access to the cavity.
 8. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 7, further comprising an opening in the tent material, such that when the collapsible tent is unfolded and connected with the flap, the opening serves as a passageway between an exterior of the collapsible tent and the shelter therein.
 9. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 8, wherein the tent material includes a sleeve portion to enclose the foldable frame member.
 10. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 9, wherein a portion of the tent material is formed of a mesh fabric, allowing light and gas to pass therethrough.
 11. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 10, further comprising glow-in-the-dark appliqués attached with the tent material.
 12. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 11, wherein the glow-in-the-dark appliqués are formed in a shape selected from a group consisting of a star, a moon, an airplane, a car, a flag, and a bird.
 13. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 12, further comprising additional flaps to total enough flaps such that the shell with the attached flaps represents an object.
 14. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 13, wherein the shell with attached flaps represents an object selected from a group consisting of a star, a person, an astronaut, a rocket ship, an animal, and a boat.
 15. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an additional flap, with cushioning material enclosed within the additional flap, thereby functioning as a pillow flap.
 16. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a flap connector attached with the flap, and a corresponding tent connector attached with the collapsible tent, whereby a user may attach the collapsible tent with the flap through use of the flap connector and tent connector.
 17. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 16, wherein both the tent connector and flap connector are devices that are detachably attachable with one another.
 18. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 16, wherein the tent connector and flap connector are devices selected from a group consisting of snaps and Velcro.
 19. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a zipper connected with the shell such that use of the zipper selectively opens and closes access to the cavity.
 20. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an opening in the tent material, such that when the collapsible tent is unfolded and connected with the flap, the opening serves as a passageway between an exterior of the collapsible tent and the shelter therein.
 21. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein the tent material includes a sleeve portion to enclose the foldable frame member.
 22. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, wherein a portion of the tent material is formed of a mesh fabric, allowing light and gas to pass therethrough.
 23. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, further comprising glow-in-the-dark appliqués attached with the tent material.
 24. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 23, wherein the glow-in-the-dark appliqués are formed in a shape selected from a group consisting of a star, a moon, an airplane, a car, a flag, and a bird.
 25. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 1, further comprising additional flaps to total enough flaps such that the shell with the attached flaps represents an object.
 26. A multipurpose sleeping bag as set forth in claim 25, wherein the shell with attached flaps represents an object selected from a group consisting of a star, a person, an astronaut, a rocket ship, an animal, and a boat.
 27. A method for forming a multipurpose sleeping bag, the method comprising acts of: forming a shell with an insulating material, the shell having a cavity large enough to contain a person therein and function as a sleeping bag; connecting a flap with the shell; forming a foldable frame member for connecting with the flap, the foldable frame member having a folded and unfolded configuration; and covering a portion of the foldable frame member with a tent material, where the tent material combined with the foldable frame forms a collapsible tent, such that when the foldable frame is in the unfolded configuration and connected with the flap, the collapsible tent forms a shelter over the shell, whereby a user may use the multipurpose sleeping bag as a tent with an attached sleeping bag therein, or alternatively, when the collapsible tent is collapsed, utilize the shell alone as a sleeping bag.
 28. A method for using a multipurpose sleeping bag, the method comprising acts of: utilizing a shell with an insulating material, the shell having a cavity large enough to contain a person therein and function as a sleeping bag, with a flap connected with the shell; and connecting a foldable frame member with the flap, the foldable frame member having a folded and unfolded configuration, with a tent material covering a portion of the foldable frame member, where the tent material combined with the foldable frame forms a collapsible tent, such that when the foldable frame is in the unfolded configuration and connected with the flap, the collapsible tent forms a shelter over the shell, whereby a user may use the multipurpose sleeping bag as a tent with an attached sleeping bag therein, or alternatively, when the collapsible tent is collapsed, utilize the shell alone as a sleeping bag. 